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If you have biglaw goals and are at a non t14 with relatively decent biglaw placement (for a non t14), I know that everything comes down to 1L performance. But I am wondering:

1) are overall GPA and rank all that matter, or do firms weigh certain classes more heavily than others? For instance, is an A in torts looked at any differently than an A in criminal law?

2) is the first semester of 1L more important than the second?

1. No. Overall GPA/rank is the only thing that matters.

2. Only if you land a 1L SA, which is difficult from a T13 and damn near impossible from any other school if you aren't a diversity candidate. So short answer: no.

You might get asked about a particularly bad grade in a subject that some rando partner cares about. I got some pointed questions for getting my lowest grade in legal writing, for example. But that's not something you should try to predict/game. Get off the internet and go read or something.

yes, firms are unlikely to care about what grades you got in what classes; overall GPA is what counts.

that said, while grades are still the most important factor in the OCI process, there are other things that come into play like networking, interview skills etc.

Thanks all!

Landshoes - not trying to predict or game anything; just genuinely curious. Thanks for the condescending advice though.

vcap180 wrote:Thanks all!

Landshoes - not trying to predict or game anything; just genuinely curious. Thanks for the condescending advice though.

you're welcome